14.2.3.

Tests on switchgear and starter panels

a) Pressure Testing

Power frequency pressure test shall be carried out on equipment for use on systems above
1000 volt. For systems up to 1000 volt the insulation resistance of the equipment shall be
tested with a 500 volt Megger instrument or other approved equivalent type. These tests
shall be carried out between all circuit phases and phase to earth. All secondary small wiring
circuits shall be similarly tested.

b) Mechanical tests

All mechanical tests specified and carried out at Manufacturer’s premises are to be re-
checked to ensure satisfactory operation of the Works in the final erected state.

c) Interchangeability

Withdrawable circuit-breaker panels of identically equipped units shall be capable of inter-

changing of circuit breaker trucks. This facility is to be proved.

Checks shall also be carried out to ensure inter-changeability shall not be possible between
incoming and outgoing feeder circuit-breaker trucks.

d) Protection and control circuits

The satisfactory operation of all current operated protection circuits over their whole
operating range shall be tested by primary current injection.

The checking of the operation of all protection relays and control circuits shall be carried out
with all tripping circuits energized.

The satisfactory operation of all inter-tripping circuits shall be tested.

The satisfactory operation of control circuits shall be tested from local and from remote
positions.

e) Indicating ammeters

Indicating ammeters shall be checked for calibration at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and full scale
deflection by primary current injection testing.

f) Indicating voltmeters

Indicating voltmeters shall be checked for normal voltage reading by voltage application.

g) Integrating kWh meters

Where possible kWh meters shall be tested for correct rotation. Creep tests shall be carried
out to ensure that the meter is in-operative with voltage alone, if the secondaries of current
transformers are left connected with the primary current interrupted.
h) Other indicating meters

Other indicating meters including frequency, power factor and kilowatt meters shall be
tested for accuracy of indication.

i) Transducers

All transducers shall be tested for at least 5 different points in the complete working range
for each unit.

j) Current transformers

Current transformers shall be tested for the following: -

i. Verification of terminal markings,

ii. High voltage power frequency withstand test on primary windings,
iii. Test for accuracy.

For all forms of current transformer protection the following information shall be made
available to the S.O. prior to the time of testing: -

i. Current transformer magnetizing curve,

ii. Recommended relay testing,
iii. Calculated primary operating current at this setting,
iv. Calculated through fault stability values where applicable,
v. Values of stabilizing and setting resistors.
k) Voltage transformers

Voltage transformers shall be tested for the following: -

i. Verification of terminal markings,

ii. High voltage power frequency withstand test on primary windings,
iii. Test for accuracy,

l) Operational sequence tests

Tests shall be carried out on all starter panels to test operational sequence and operation of
protection devices.

m) Continuity of earth conductors

Continuity tests shall be carried out on the earth conductor of the switchboard, such test
being by current injection.

This does not include the earth resistance test of the station earthing system which shall be
tested as detailed elsewhere in the Specification.
14.2.4. Tests on transformers

The tests to be carried out are as follows: -

a) Ratio, polarity and phase relationship

b) Impedance voltage
c) Insulation resistance
d) High oil and winding temperature gauges shall be calibrated and tested.
e) High pressure and low oil relays shall be tested with pilot cables connected by mechanical
operation of contacts.
f) Tap changer equipment including protective devices shall be tested to ensure correct
operation.
g) Oil tests

Samples of insulating oil shall be taken and subjected to dielectric strength tests. If the
insulating oil fails the site tests the Contractor shall carry out the drying of oil to remove the
moisture content or replace the oil and then carry out the oil tests again to comply with BS
148

14.2.5. Tests on cables

The insulation resistance of every cable shall be measured and recorded before
commencement of installation. After installation and termination the following tests shall be
carried out on very run of cables: -

a) High voltage d.c. insulation pressure test to the specified level, between cores and from
individual cores to earth, metallic sheath or armour as appropriate, for cables rated
above 1000 volt.
b) Insulation resistance test,
c) Core phase identification,
d) Continuity of core and armour over the whole length of cable, including cable
termination glands for the latter.

High voltage pressure test voltage shall conform to the relevant British Standards. Direct
current voltage shall be applied continuously for 15 minutes for high voltage XLPESWAPVC
cables.

Witnessed high voltage pressure tests shall not be carried out on PVCSWAPVC control cables
both between cores and from cores to earth during the installation with a 500 volt ‘Megger’
instrument or approved equivalent type.

14.2.6. Tests on electrical apparatus

Insulation resistance test on any electrical apparatus supplied and/or erected under the
Contract before and after connecting such apparatus to the supply.
14.2.7. Tests on earthing system

After the completion of the earthing installation the Contractor shall demonstrate to the S.O.
that the resistance of the electrodes to earth and the continuity of the earth conductors is
less than one ohm.

The earth contact resistance and the earth conductor continuity from each major piece of
the Works, i.e. main switchboards and transformers etc., shall be measured by using an
earth loop impedance tester and auxiliary return conductor.

Operation of ELCB’s shall be tested.

The contractor shall also demonstrate that the resistance to earth for lightning protection is
less than 5 ohms.